Cardiac Support Programs
Purpose of Cardiac Support Programs
Her Heart Sounds created cardiac support programs for women to improve recovery outcomes. Many women in the Stress Management Program report that the emotional ramification of experiencing myocardial infarction has greater negative impact than the physical ramifications of experiencing a heart attack. Many research studies on women confirm the need for psychological support to improve recovery outcomes and reduce readmissions. Additionally, we provide SCAD education dissemination and are actively addressing gender inequality in cardiac treatment.
SCAD Stress Management Program
The SCAD specific Stress Management eight-week program is offered on Tuesdays at 12 pm MDT and 6 pm (MDT) by Founder and SCAD Survivor, Sheryl Martin. Dr. Angela Cassola, PhD in Health & Prevention Psychology, assisted with the creation of the Stress Management program based on her experience implementing a Stress Managment Program for Corporate Officers and co-hosted Her Heart Sounds Stress Management Program for two years. Dr. Cassola is now volunteering her experience and time with Her Heart Sounds as Stress Management Consultant. Program curriculum is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Learn ways to reduce stress and share with other SCAD Survivors from all over the world in a zoom meeting platform. The program will cover the various ramifications of stress with breakout room discussions. To date program data is revealing high efficacy and satisfaction from participants. This program is open to male SCAD Survivors as well. Non-refundable $20 program fee - please pay via this link: Program Fee. If you are unable to afford the fee, the fee will be waived.
Stress Management Program
This Stress Management Program is for women who have experienced cardiac disorders or events other than SCAD (as listed above). The eight-week session is held on Thursdays at 12 pm MDT or you many choose 6 pm MDT to accommodate your schedule. You may pay the one-time non-refundable program fee here or via email when you provide contact information. Program Fee If you are unable to afford the fee we will waive the fee.
Patient Liaison/Advocacy Service
Please contact us if you need cardiac condition information, assistance with medical advocacy including medical record review, psychological support and referrals. We schedule a zoom meeting, phone call, or can meet with you in person if you reside in Colorado to support you and to create an action planfor optimal recovery. This service is free and available to women who have experienced cardiac events, and for men who have experienced SCAD.
PTSD Inpatient Prevention Program
Our PTSD program will provide immediate contact to women who have experienced a cardiac event. The program will be an early intervention while the patient is in hospital. This will entail providing a combination of Mental Health First Aid and Resiliency Training to reduce the incidence of PTSD and other emotional disorders like depression, anxiety, and anger to significantly improve recovery outcomes.
Virtual Cardiac Support Discharge Lounge
The Virtual Discharge Lounge will provide important services to support a female cardiac survivor including family counseling, back to work protocol and assistance, referral to the Stress Management Program, and orientation services for cardiac rehab. Additionally, patient liaison services will be offered to assist the patient with processing oftentimes misleading, contradictory and confusing cardiac information. The purpose is to support women in their recovery with the expected outcome of better cardiac health to reduce recurrence and readmissions. Her Heart Sounds will be obtaining data to measure rates of recurrence and readmissions.
Women's Cardiac Rehab
Research indicates that women are referred to cardiac rehab less than men, are less likely to attend, and less likely to complete the program. Therefore, Her Heart Sounds is developing a woman's only cardiac rehabilitation component to be implemented within existing cardiac rehab programs and clinics with a cardiac rehab clinic orientation video and an emotional support component. Additionally, we will provide education dissemination for a SCAD specific protocol.